Hungarian, or Magyar, is a language rich in expressions and proverbs that offer insights into the country’s culture, humor, and wisdom. Learning Hungarian sayings not only helps with language proficiency but also provides a deeper understanding of cultural nuances. Here are some Hungarian phrases and proverbs to get acquainted with, including their meanings and how to use them in conversation.

Aki korán kel, aranyat lel.
This saying translates to “He who wakes up early finds gold,” which is equivalent to the English proverb, “The early bird catches the worm.” It emphasizes the benefit of starting the day early and taking initiative.

Márta mindig korán kel, mert hisz abban, hogy aki korán kel, aranyat lel.

Vak tyúk is talál szemet.
Meaning “Even a blind chicken can find grain,” this proverb suggests that sometimes people can succeed or find something by chance rather than through skill.

Nem tudta a választ, de vak tyúk is talál szemet, és ő is eltalálta.

Jobb ma egy veréb, mint holnap egy túzok.
The phrase approximates to “A sparrow in the hand is better than a bustard in the sky.” It is similar to “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” advising that it is better to hold onto something you already have than to risk it for something greater but uncertain.

Nem fogadta el a biztos állásajánlatot, de már megbánta, hiszen jobb ma egy veréb, mint holnap egy túzok.

Addig nyújtózkodj, amíg a takaród ér.
This saying is akin to “Stretch your legs as far as the blanket extends.” It translates to “Live within your means.”

Ne vásárolj drága autót, ha nem engedheted meg magadnak; addig nyújtózkodj, amíg a takaród ér.

Az idő minden sebet begyógyít.
It translates directly to “Time heals all wounds,” which matches the English saying word for word, conveying that pain and sorrow diminish as time passes.

Bár most nagyon fáj a szakítás, ne feledd, az idő minden sebet begyógyít.

Ki mint vet, úgy arat.
This expresses the concept “As you sow, so shall you reap,” meaning that actions have consequences, and people will eventually face the results of their behavior.

Nem segítettél a barátodnak, amikor szüksége volt rád; ne csodálkozz, ha nem kapsz segítséget, hiszen ki mint vet, úgy arat.

Minden jó, ha a vége jó.
This translates to “All is well that ends well.” It suggests that the outcome of an event is the most important aspect, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.

Sok problémánk volt a projekttel, de végül sikerült; minden jó, ha a vége jó.

This expression may be used to soothe someone who is having trouble.

Hungarian sayings and proverbs are not only charming phrases but windows into the collective thoughts of a nation. They embellish everyday speech and enrich the Hungarian language, ultimately making it a delight to learn and use. Beginners might find some phrases challenging, but incorporating them into regular conversation can strengthen language skills and cultural understanding. As with learning any language, patience, and practice are key. Embrace these sayings, and you’ll soon find yourself conversing like a Hungarian local, complete with a natural flair for the poetic turns of phrase that make this language so unique.